Your baby has arrived. 💞

Oh my. I feel in a dream state even remembering. What a magical time. Exhausted. Elated. Deep in processing this powerful, powerful experience that may have gone as expected or very differently than expected. Traditionally, the first hour or two after birth are referred to as the “Golden Hour” — when you meet your baby for the very first time and baby comes skin-to-skin with the birthing parent to release a cascade of hormones that kick off bonding, breast/chestfeeding, and life outside the womb. 

I’m so excited for us to talk about the first 6 hours because while birth professionals are well versed in these “Golden Hours” it can be a very unexpected time for many families.

In honor of Labor Day… let’s talk labor and birth… and what to pack for the big day!

Before we get into this list, a disclaimer: after a decade of working with birthing people, the truth I know about birth is that the most important thing you can bring to your labor isn’t a “thing” at all. It is the people and care team who love and support you in finding your strength and your ability to surrender in just the right measure for your birth. 

I also want to acknowledge that you could come to birth with absolutely no bags and have a beautiful experience! I’m a creature comfort person so this list features a few things I’ve seen clients love over the years.